Gates of the City

The marriage of the Lamb draws near, and it is essential for His bride to make herself ready. The preparation cannot be passive; it must be intentional, a commitment to spiritual growth and obedience.

So ask yourself: Are you truly prepared? Is there oil in your vessel to keep your lamp burning brightly? Are you diligently working out your salvation with fear and trembling? Are you perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord, knowing that without such devotion, no one will see the Lord favorably.

Are you completing the work God has entrusted to you? Have you ran or walked your race? Have you fought the good fight of faith? Do you genuinely try to love your neighbor as yourself? Have you been faithful as a watchman? Do you stand firm in the words He has spoken and abide in the vine of Christ? Are you growing there as you ought to and gladly accept the Father’s pruning? Or do the cares and pleasures of the world choke Him out?

Be honest with yourself before God, are you truly laboring in love to bring forth your fruit unto perfection? Are you keeping your eyes single and focused on Jesus? Do you love Him with all your heart, mind, and strength?

 How are your spiritual disciplines? Do you pray and fast regularly? Do you studied to show yourself approved, as a worker who needs not to be ashamed before God? Do you delight and meditate in His word? Do you labor in true prayer for others? Jesus said My sheep know My voice and they follow Me, so are you hearing and following His lead? Or are you dull of hearing? Do you forgive others? Is there any bitterness in your heart?

Seriously, how is your relationship with God? Is it cold, hot, or lukewarm? Do you truly have fellowship with Him and His Son Jesus Christ? Does your heart cry out to Him as your Father? Do you trust in Him completely? Do you draw near to Him and quietly wait in His presence? Do you practice stillness before Him? Are you quick to repent, and have an open heart to correction? Is Christ truly your life? Are you looking for and hastening His coming? Does your time bear a witness that your treasure is in heaven? Do you seek to redeem it more for His purpose and glory?

Are you keeping your spiritual garments unspotted and white? Have you been a godly and faithful spouse and parent? Have you honored your parents and loved them well? Generosity is a mark of Christ, so have you freely given to others, expecting nothing in return? Do you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness?

Are you striving toward the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness, seeking first His Kingdom and glory? Are you meek, willing to go the extra mile without complaint? Do you daily pick up your cross and follow Him? Are you content with godliness, finding your satisfaction in a life devoted to Him?

Are you a bruised reed, or a tree of righteousness? A smoking flax, or on fire for the Lord?

Or have you received God’s grace in vain?

For only those who have made themselves ready for Him will truly “be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him.” For why would you call Him Lord and do not do the things He has said?

“Awake you who sleeps, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. Awake to righteousness and sin not. For some of you have not an intimate knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (Ephesians 6:14, I Corinthians 15:34)